Spike



Jn. 17, 1939. R E BEEGLE' 2,144,099

SPIKE Filedaanfz, 1937 Patented Jan. 17, 1939 UNITED STATES anime PATENT OFFICE SPIKE Raymond E. Beegle, East St. Louis, Ill. Application January 2, 1937, Serial No. 118,785

'7 Claims.

, .This invention relates to improvements in spikes, and more particularly, to railroad spikes adapted for use in cross ties or other timber which have been prebored to receive the spikes, or in such ties or like timber which have not been so prebored.

The spike embodying the features of the present invention is an improvement over that disclosed and claimed in United States Patent No. 1,868,964, issued July 26, 1932, to Raymond E. Beegle.

While the practice of preboring cross ties to provide holes in which the rail retaining spi tes are driven, has certain definite and Well known advantages, there are several difficulties encountered in drivin-g spikes of the ordinary form, having a square section and a chisel point. Among such difiiculties is the almost universal tendency for the spike to spiral or be rotated about its longitudinal axis as it is driven in a prebored hole. Further difficulties are found in the tendency of spikes of the ordinary variety, to become canted relative to the longitudinal axis of the prebored hole in which the spike is being driven,

f and the tendency for spikes of square section,

when driven in a round hole, to disrupt the 'fibers adjacent the Corners of the spike to a serious extent, sometimes severing them completely.

The above noted difficulties of application are found, also, in the older practice of driving the ordinary form of spikes without preboring the cross ties or other timber, in that the fibers are generally torn and often severed entirely from the adjacent body of timber, which, in many instances, results in decreasing the effective life of the timber through rotting of the disrupted areas. Again, where the ordinary variety of rail spikes are used in ties which have not been prebored, there is a marked tendency for the spike to lead off or become canted with respect to a Vertical axis, and to spiral or turn about its lon-gitudinal axis during the driving of the spike.

Accordingly, it is the purpose of this invention to overcome the major difficulties noted above, by the provision of an improved spike adapted for ,use in prebored or non-prebored cross ties and like timber, one object of the invention being that of providing a spike which includes means for guiding the unit and keeping it in a Vertical plane as it is driven.

A further object is found in improved provisio'ns for controlling the fibers lyng adjacent the enring or chisel end of the spike, as it is driven into the cross tie'.

A still further object is found in the provision of an improved spike which is constructed so that spiraling is prevented as the spike is driven, whereby the spike may be driven to the fullest possible extent with a maximum area of engagement between the head of the spike and the base of the rail. This feature is of particular importance, in that it overcomes the tendency for prevailing spikes to be slotted at the throat under the influence of lateral as well as endwise movement of the rail. By maintaining the face of the spike, rather than one of its corners, in contact with the rail base, this Cutting or sawing action is minimized.

A still further object is attained by the provision of an improved spike of such characteristics as materially to increase the holding power of the spike and the effective life of the tie into which it is driven.

Yet another object is found in the provision of a spike which is characterized by a minimum amount of material utilized in its construction, with the material formed so as most effectively to attain the' objects and advantages above enumerated.

Further objects and advantages of the Vinvention will appear as the description proceeds, and from the drawing forming a part of the disclosure.

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a spike embodying the features of the invention; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevation of the head end of the spike; Fig. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevation of the entering end portion of the spike; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary front elevation of that portion of the spike shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the spike portion appearing in Fig. 4, as seen from the lower or entering end thereof; Fig. 6 is a transverse section along line iiof Fig. 3; Fg. 7 is a transverse section along line 1-1 of F'ig. 3, and Figs. 8 and 9 are, respectively, fragmentary side and front elevations of the entering end of a modified form of spike.

Referring now to the drawing by suitable characters of reference, the spike body, denoted generally by the numeral IB, may be of polygonal section, and in the present example, is preferably square, as best appears in Fig. 5. A head ll which may be of usual form, is provided on yone end of the body IO, while the opposite end |2 of the body terminates .in a wedge-shaped end portion M, with the wedge terminating in a chisel edge IE. As shown, the body IO is, by preferenoe, of uniform section throughout its length, between the head and the zone of mergin-g of the body end |2 into the wedge portion |4. A spike constructed according to the description thus far, would present one which wouldl be very similar to the ordinary form of such spikes, and hence it would be subject to the difficulties of application noted hereinabove. Accordingly, in keeping with th-e purpose of this invention in providing an improved spike which, in use, will overcome the noted objections that characterize the older prevailing spikes, the spike is modified, particularly as to its entering wedge portion |4, in a novel manner now to be described.

The opposite wedging surfaces |6 of the wedge portion M which merge and terminate in the chisel edge |5, are each provided with a projection |8 and a plurality, preferably a pair, of spaced, parallel fins or rib elements |9, as clearly illustrated by Figs. 3 and 4. The projection 8 whichl serves as a pilot element for the spike during the driving thereof, as will be later described, terminates on its lower end 20 in a downwardly and inwardly slop-ing, wedge-like surface 22 which merges into the wedge surface IB of the spike end |4, the zone of merging being located adjacent the chisel edge 5 and rearwardly thereof, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The taper or cant of the wedge surface 22 relative to the plane of the longitudinal axis of the spike is substantially greater than that of the wedge surface |6, this surface serving as a means for attaining a desired control of the tie fibers during driving of the spike, as will later appear. The opposite or upper end portion 23 of the projection |8 merges into the wedge surface |5 at a point substantially below the zone of `juncture between the wedge end |4 and the lower end |2 of the spike body. The sides 24 of the projection are curved and engage the wedge surface IG along zones 2B which are curved inwardly from the lower end 20, in a direction toward each other, as clearly appears in Fig. 4.

The fins or rib elements 9 extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spike and laterally outwardly of the projection |8, with their upper ends 21 meeting and merging into the wedge surface 6 upwardly beyond the end 23 of the projection, as at 28. 'I'he lower ends 30 of these ribs are curved inwardly so as to meet and merge into the wedge surface 22. Furthermore, the ribs are laterally spaced, so as to form a recess or groove 3| therebetweemthe purpose served by this groove being to receive fibers of the tie displaced during driving of the spike, in a mannerto effect a looking engagement between the tie and the spike and to prevent twisting or spiraling of the spike.

As clearly appears from the several views in the drawing, the provision of the described pilot element |8, the spaced ribs |9 and the recess 3| formed by the ribs, is effected on each of the wedge surfaces IB, and these elements are, by preference, formed integrally with the spike wedge portion |4.

In addition to the fiber receiving recesses 3| intervening each pair of fins |9, it may be noted that each of the ribs or fins coacts with an adjacent edge portion 32 of the wedge end portion |4 to form an upwardly tapered recess or pocket, denoted generally by the numeral 34, for the reception of fibers displaced during driving of the spike. Thus these auxiliary recesses serve to augment the function of the recesses 3| in effecting an interlocking of the spike with the tie or other timber in which the spike is driven. Moreover, the sides 35 of the fins form .Shoulders which, in engagement with the tie material, serve effectively to prevent spiraling of the spike as it is driven, and this function of the ribs is materially increased by a like function served by the edge portions 32 of the spike end |4.

It is to be noted as a distinct preference, that the corners of the spike body |3 as well as the Corners and edges of the Wedge portion M rear- Wardly of the chisel edge 55, the projections |8 and the several ribs E9, are all slightly rounded as a further means to prevent undue disruption and cutting of the tie fibers during the entering of the spike in the tie.

In the application of the improved rail spike, the effect obtained by the pilot projections |8, the several ribs l and intervening recesses 3| and the tapered recesses 34, in preventing both spiraling of the spike as it is driven, and canting of the spike relative to a Vertical axis, will be readily observed by those skilled in the art and familiar with the usual arrangement of fibers in the timber of the several varieties employed for cross ties. It may be noted that this effect will obtain in marked degree whether the spike is driven into a hole in a prebored tie or into a tie which has not been prebored. The wedging surfaces 22 of the pilot elements E8 and the curved ends 30 of the ribs serve to defiect the fibers of the timber outwardly of the entering end of the spike, and to guide portions of such fibers into the recesses 32 and areas 34 between the ribs and the edges of thel spike Wedge portion 4, so that through these elements engaging the fibers of the timber in the manner described, an effective prevention against spiraling of the spike is attained. The action of these elements in deflecting and guiding the fibers of the tie during driving of the spike, is such that the fibers are not in any material degree disrupted or severed, but are displaced suificiently to permit the entering of the spike in the tie. Also, this defiecting and guiding action performed on the fibers by these elements, serves to position the fibers sothat the corners of the spike body will not seriously disrupt or sever the fibers during driving of the spike in either plain ties or the holes of prebored ties. In addition to the above actions, the pilot elements serve to prevent leading oif or canting of the spike as it is driven, this being attained in those instances Where the spike is driven in plain or non-prebored ties, by the deflection control of the fibers, through the tapered guiding surfaces 22 of these elements. In the instance of prebored ties, the rounded or curved surfaces 24 of the pilot projections 8 engage in a wedging manner, the cylindrical inner surfaces of the prebored hole, so that the spike is thus eifectively prevented from leading off or canting relative to the axis of the prebored hole.

In connection with the anti-spiraling means of the spike, itis to be noted that the ribs |9 and the intervening recesses 3| may be termed and serve as the primary means for preventing spiraling of the spike, while the several recesses 34 between the ribs and the adjacent edges of the wedge portion M, serve as auxiliary or secondary anti-spiraling means. The described anti-spiraling means is especially advantageous when the spike is driven without a tie plate, or where the particular spike being driven is the first one driven through a tie plate. Also, wherel tie p'lates are utilized, and the area of the spikereceiving holes in the plate is substantially greater than the sectional area of the spike body, the tie plate cannot be relied upon to prevent spiraling of the spike, so that in this instance, the anti-spiraling means may come into full play.

In addition to the anti-spiraling and anticahting features presented by the elements above described, these elements in engaging the fibers of the timber, effect a looking engagement there- `with, sothat the resistance to Vertical or outward pull and loosening of the spike vis greatly enhanced.

A somewhat modified form of entering end of the spike hereinabove described, is illustrated by Figs. 8 and 9. In the modification, the wedge portion 40 is similar to the Wedge end |4 shown in Fg. 1, while the oppositely disposed projections 4| differ from those shown in Fig. 4, in that the downwardly and inwardly sloping surfaces 42 of the lower end portions 43 thereof, merge directly into the chisel edge 44 of the wedge portion 40. Moreover, the inclination or cant of the surfaces 42 relative to the longitudinal axis of the spike is substantially less than that obtaining with the surfaces 22 of the projections |8 shown in Fig. 4, thus offering less resistance to the entering of the spike in the tie. i

A longitudinally extending rib element 45 is formed on the outermost portion of each projection 4|, with the surface 46 of the lower end 41 of the rib sloping downwardly and inwardly, and merging with the surface 42. The upper end 48 of the rib is merged into the adjacent body portion 49 of the spike, in the manner shown. The lateral extent or depth of the ribs 45 is, by preference, made substantially less than that of the ribs |9 shown in Fig. 4. Thus in the modified form of the spike wedge end, but a single rib is formed on each projection, in distinction to the provision of two such ribs in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4.

In all other respects, the two embodiments of the improved spike are substantially the same. Since the modified projections 4| and ribs 45 do not materially alter the function of these elements, as described in connection with the similar elements of the spike of Fig. 4, the description hereinabove of the function and operation of the improved spike embodiment illustrated by Figs. 1 through 6, applies equally to the embodiment shown by Figs. 8 and- 9.

The present disclosure is directed to a spike structure formed of a minimum amount of material and having, in combination, several improvements, each designed for a particular purpose and to overcome one or more of the noted objections to prevailing spikes. It however will be apparent that certain of the features described may be employed alone with improved result. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific constructions and arrangement of parts shown, since these may be altered or modified without departing from the spirit and full scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

l. In a spike of the type described, a body portion terminating on one end, in a wedgeshaped portion providing a chisel edge, guiding and anti-spiral means on said wedge-shaped portion, said means being constituted by projections terminating on their lower ends adjacently to and inwardly of said chisel edge, and longitudinally extending fins on said projections.

2. A railway spike comprising a body portion, a head portion on one -end of the body, a wedgeshaped portion forming a continuation of the opposite end of the body, and terminating in a chisel edge, a pilot projection on said wedgeshaped portion, having an inclined surface on its lower end terminating inwardly of said chisel edge, and spaced ribs on said pilot projection.

3. A railway spike comprising a body portion, a head portion on one end of the body, a wedgeshaped portion constituting the terminus of the opposite end of said body, and provided with a chisel edge, a pilot projection disposed on said wedge portion and having an inwardly tapered end terminating adjacent said chisel edge, and a plurality of longitudinally extending fins projecting laterally of said pilot projection.

4. A railway spike comprising a body portion, a head portion on one end of the body, a wedgeshaped portion constituting the opposite end of said body, said wedge portion terminating in a chisel edge, a plurality of guiding projections disposed on said wedge-shaped portion, each having inwardly tapered, lower end portions terminating adjacent said chisel edge, and longitudinally extending ribs on each of said guiding projections, the lower ends of said ribs being tapered inwardly so as to meet and form a continuation of the tapered end portion of the guiding projection.

5. In a railway spike of the type described, a body portion, a head portion on one end of the body, the opposite end of the body terminating in a wedge-shaped portion having a chisel edge, complemental pilot elements on said wedge portion, each having its lower end downwardly and inwardly sloped toward said chisel edge, and longitudinally extending ribs on each of saidpilot elements, constituting anti-spiral means for the spike, said ribs being spaced laterally of the pilot element to form a recess therebetween. i

6. In a railway spike of the type described, a body portion, a head portion on one end of the body, the oppo'site end of the body terminating in a wedge-shaped portion having a chisel edge, complemental pilot elements on said wedge portion, each having its lower end downwardly and inwardly sloped toward said chisel edge, longitudinally extending ribs on each of said pilot elements, constituting anti-spiral means for the spike, said ribs being spaced laterally of the pilot element to form a recess therebetween, and auxiliary recesses formed by said ribs and adjacent portions of said wedge-shaped end.

7. A spike having a head portion, a body portion, awedge-shaped end portion terminating in a chisel edge, and pilot projections located on said wedge-shaped end and carrying anti-spiral means, said projections having inwardly tapered lower ends terminating short of said chisel edge, the anti-spiral means carried by the pilot projections comprising longitudinal elements, adapted to coact with the tapered projections in the prevention of both directional and rotational displacement of the spike as it is driven.

RAYMOND E. BEEGLE. 

